తల్లిదే వలపక్షము, ధరణీదేవిదే వలపక్షము

tallide valapakshamu, dharanidevide valapakshamu

Translation

Partiality belongs to a mother and to the earth. A mother is partial to some of her children, and the earth is unequal in its favors, bringing forth more for one than for another.

Meaning

This proverb highlights the inherent bias or favoritism found even in the most fundamental figures of care. It is used to express that preference exists everywhere, suggesting that a mother might favor one child over another, just as the Earth might yield more fruitfully in one spot than another. It is often cited when someone feels treated unfairly or observes natural inequalities.

Related Phrases

The song belongs to the one who is drunk, and the game belongs to the one who is successful.

This proverb describes how authority or influence works in certain situations. It suggests that a person who is intoxicated will sing whatever they like regardless of skill, and similarly, the world follows and applauds the person who is currently successful or in power. It is used to highlight that rules often bend for those who are currently influential or dominating a situation.

Only a man with age (youth) is a woman's love.

This expression suggests that youth and physical vigor are primarily what attract a woman's romantic interest. It implies that a woman's affection is naturally drawn towards a youthful and energetic partner rather than an elderly person.

A bird of specific feathers joins the same group.

Similar to the English proverb 'Birds of a feather flock together,' this expression is used to describe how people with similar characters, interests, or backgrounds naturally gravitate towards each other.

A ruiner of himself and of others. Nirdhûmadhâma signifies literally " one who has flame without smoke."

This expression is used to describe a person who is fiercely impartial, strictly principled, or intensely destructive without bias. Just as a powerful fire consumes everything in its path without favoring its origin or its destination, this person treats allies and enemies with the same level of intensity or rigorous standards. It is often used to describe someone who does not show favoritism even to their own people when upholding justice or performing a duty.

It is like the cooking of Nala and Bhîma. Said ironically to a bad cook.

This expression is used to describe food that is exceptionally delicious or exquisitely prepared. In Indian mythology, King Nala and Bhima (one of the Pandavas) were both legendary chefs known for their extraordinary culinary skills. When someone says a meal is like 'Nala-Bhima Pakamu', they are giving the highest possible compliment to the cook.

How can a wonder be born without something special?

This expression is similar to 'There is no smoke without fire.' It suggests that every unusual event, rumor, or surprising news must have some underlying cause or kernel of truth. It is used when someone questions the origin of a strange occurrence or a piece of gossip.

If Lakshanam is neglected it becomes Avalakshanam.

This expression means that a small flaw or a lapse in character can turn a virtue into a vice. It is used to caution people that maintaining one's good reputation or quality requires consistency, as even a minor deviation can lead to being perceived negatively.

There is a pun here on the word Lakshanam which as a noun signifies the ' rules of classic composition,' and as an adjective ' handsome.'—Ava- lakshanam means ' ugly,' ' deformed.'

Mother is partial, the Earth is partial.

This expression highlights that even the most selfless entities like a mother or Mother Earth can show partiality or favoritism. It is used to describe situations where one feels unfairly treated by someone who is expected to be neutral or unconditionally loving, suggesting that bias exists everywhere.

Without touching an onion, the smell won't come.

This expression is used to suggest that there is no smoke without fire. It implies that a person wouldn't be accused or associated with a situation unless they had some involvement in it, or that every consequence has a specific root cause.

Nala's cooking and Bhima's cooking

These terms refer to exceptionally delicious food or superior culinary skills. In Hindu mythology, King Nala and the Pandava prince Bhima were renowned for their extraordinary cooking abilities. It is used as a compliment to describe a meal that is expertly prepared and tastes divine.